Galle, August 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
After a decade of perseverance in domestic cricket, Madhya Pradesh off-spinner Saransh Jain has finally earned his maiden India Test call-up and believes patience has been the key to his long journey.
Jain, who made his Ranji Trophy debut during the 2014-15 season, has been included in India’s squad for the upcoming two-Test tour of Sri Lanka. The opening Test will be played at the Galle International Stadium from Saturday.
Recalling the moment he learned about his selection, the 33-year-old said he was on his way to a temple when he noticed several calls and messages on his phone.
“When I got the call, I was in a temple. I was driving there, and I saw a call and messages in between. Then I came to know that I was selected,” Jain said in a video shared by the BCCI.
Having spent more than 10 years in domestic cricket, Jain said joining the India squad did not feel overwhelming as he was already familiar with most of his new teammates.
“When I joined the team three days ago, I didn’t feel much difference. Seventy to 80 per cent of the players I have played cricket with. So I think I have mixed up with all of them,” he said.
Jain said aspiring Test cricketers must remain patient, drawing from his own experience of waiting years for an opportunity at the highest level.
“You have to be patient in Test cricket. If you want to play Test cricket for India, you have to be patient. I have been patient since I started my career. I made my Ranji Trophy debut in 2014-15. It has been a long journey. It has been a lot of hard work and sacrifices,” he said.
His father, who also represented Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy, played an important role in keeping him motivated.
“My family is behind me. My dad is a Ranji Trophy player. He told me to be patient. Things will come to you automatically,” Jain said.
A left-handed batter as well as an off-spinner, Jain has represented India A and has 2,223 runs and 188 wickets from 54 first-class matches.
He enjoyed a major breakthrough in 2022, taking 13 wickets and scoring a crucial half-century in the knockout stages as Madhya Pradesh won their maiden Ranji Trophy title.
Jain continued his strong form in the 2025-26 season, scoring 518 runs at an average of 57.55 and claiming 30 wickets at 20.43. He then produced a Player-of-the-Series performance for Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy, taking 16 wickets and scoring two half-centuries in two matches.
He had also worked as a net bowler when India played Afghanistan in New Chandigarh.
Now, after years of domestic cricket and a long wait on the sidelines, Jain is within touching distance of making his India Test debut.
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